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Jindal-backed voucher program grows by 3,000

Nearly 8,000 students have been approved for state-funded tuition to private schools of their choice under the statewide voucher program that is going into its second year.

That's about 3,000 more than last year, and the state said more are expected to be approved in June.

Gov. Bobby Jindal and Education Superintendent John White announced the figures Wednesday.

The taxpayer-financed tuition at private and parochial schools is available to students from low- to moderate-income families who otherwise would attend poorly performing public schools.

A state court has ruled that the voucher program is unconstitutionally funded through a formula meant for public schools. That ruling is on appeal at the state Supreme Court. It remains unclear how the program will be funded if the ruling is upheld.

Forty years ago, one of the greatest boxing matches in history took place in an unlikely setting: the capital of the Philippines. Muhammad Ali's epic win over great rival Joe Frazier in 1975 became known as the "Thrilla in Manila."